Page 320 - My FlipBook

318 DENTAL MEDICINE.
CAMPHORA—CAMPHOR.
Formula.—C,|jH,gO.
Source.—Camphor is a concentrated substance obtained from
the camphor laurel, an evergreen tree of China, Japan and For-
mosa, by sublimation, the crude gum being purified by resublima-
tion with quicklime. Refined camphor is in the form of large
circular cakes, one or two inches thick, and has a strong, pene-
trating, fragrant odor, and a bitter, pungent taste, attended with a
slight sense of coolness. It is white, pellucid, and somewhat unc-
tuous to the touch.
Medical Properties and Action.—Camphor is anodyne, stimulant,
refrigerant, diuretic and diaphoretic. It increases the action of
the heart and arteries, and renders the pulse softer and fuller ; but
such effects are very transitory, and are followed by depression.
In large, but not over-doses, it allays pain and spasm, and induces
sleep. In over-doses, it excites narcotic symptoms, with those of
an irritant poison, and has proved fatal. It acts chiefly on the
nervous system.
Therapeutic Usrs.—Camphor is administered in fevers of an
asthenic type, acute inflammations, inflammation of the brain,
delirium tremens, asthma, rheumatic and nervous headaches, dis-
eases of the heart, hysteria, dysentery, diarrhoea, cholera, etc., etc.
Externally as an anodyne in rheumatism, and as a discutient in
chronic inflammatory affections ; also, the powder as a snuff in
coryza and influenza, and in the form of Camphor Liniment—
Linimentum Camphora— (camphor
I part, olive oil
4 parts).
Camphor Water,— Aqua Camphora—(camphor gr. cxx,
alcohol TTtxl, carbonate of magnesia oss, distilled water Oij).
Soap Liniment-— Linimentum Saponis—(camphor .5iv, oil of
rosemary fSss, alcohol Oij, water .5vj) is an anodyne and gentle
rubefacient for sprains, rheumatic and gouty pains.
Spirit of Camphor— Spiritus Camphorce—(camphor 5iv, alco-
hol Oij).
Dose.—Of camphor in substance, gr. ij to gr. x, in form of an
emulsion, made of sugar, gum arabic, myrrh and water. Of
camphor water 5j to ,3j ; of spirit of camphor, Hlv to TTLxx.
Dental Uses.—In dental practice, the spirit of camphor is locally